WE CERTAINLY REMEMBER THEM!We Indians are used to celebrate more the birth anniversaries of our gods and saints, heroes and heroines than death anniversaries. That is because we don’t like to think that they are really dead and gone or even that they have aged. In the poet’s immortal words, “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.” There are certain exceptions like the martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh and his comrades (23 March) which is celebrated with more zeal and dedication. But as of now we remember him on the occasion of his birth centenary (28 September). He and his comrades, in and through their deaths, lived and still live along in the hearts of countless millions of our country. Durga Devi, more popular as Durga Bhabhi, was of the same age and spirits as Bhagat Singh and was lucky to have martyr Bhagawati Charan Vohra as her husband who encouraged her in every way to aid and act in the revolutionary movement to overthrow the imperialist rule. As ‘chums’ she and Bhagat used to celebrate their birthday in common and she rendered utmost service by safely escorting him, amidst grave dangers, from Lahore to Calcutta. She also sheltered him in Delhi before he presented himself to be caught at the Central Legislative Assembly after throwing bombs “to make the deaf hear.” Later she lost her husband in their efforts to rescue Bhagat Singh and his comrades, but bore with fortitude that bereavement. Thereafter till her natural death on 15 October 1999 at Ghaziabad, she strove actively to achieve the ideals of her husband and Bhagat Singh and was ceaselessly engaged in activities for socialism and public education. On this their ‘common birth centenary’ we pay our glowing tributes to both these ever-green icons as also to their friends-philosophers-and-guides – Bhagwati Charan, Azad, et al with firm resolve never to forget their ideals and aspirations §§§
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